IN the Orchid Room of London's Dorchester Hotel, 10 men met for a council of war on Thursday evening, though one of them knew he had already won one battle.
Nine Association of Southeast Asian Nations leaders and premier Zhu Rhongji met to work out a joint strategy before their summit with the European Union, where they hoped to forge an alliance to battle their economic problems.
But while Thai Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai sat nervously clearing his throat and Japanese premier Ryutaro Hashimoto fidgeted, Mr Zhu sat back confidently knowing he had already won the confidence of British Prime Minister and European Union president Tony Blair.
Only two weeks into his job, Mr Zhu has proved a big hit with Mr Blair.
Whether he will have the authority back home to implement the policies he spelled out is still to be seen. But Mr Zhu has certainly made new friends in London.
While other Asian leaders were busy denying their economies had become sick, Mr Zhu emerged as someone who could see a way ahead.
